Why the cash basis may not suit your business

Source: HM Revenue & Customs | | 23/01/2018

The cash basis scheme helps many sole traders and other unincorporated businesses benefit from a simpler way of managing their financial affairs. The scheme is not open to limited companies and limited liability partnerships. It allows qualifying businesses
to use the cash basis when recording income and expenditure. However, some small businesses are more suited to using the cash basis than others.

If you fall within any of the following categories, the cash basis may not be your best option:

want to claim interest or bank charges of more than £500 as an expense

run a business that’s more complex, e.g. you have high levels of stock

need to get finance for your business - a bank could ask to see accounts drawn up using traditional accounting to see what you owe and are due before agreeing a loan

have losses that you want to offset against other taxable income (‘sideways loss relief’)

In a nutshell, the scheme is most suitable for straight forward businesses especially those that provide services. You must have a turnover of £150,000 or less to join the scheme, and you can continue using the scheme until your turnover reaches £300,000.

Planning note

If you are thinking of using the scheme, we would be happy to help you consider your options and to crunch the numbers to see if the cash basis scheme is a suitable option.